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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8365 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 05, 2024

Ramalingam Kalirajan has over 23 years of experience in mutual funds and financial planning.
He has an MBA in finance from the University of Madras and is a certified financial planner.
He is the director and chief financial planner at Holistic Investment, a Chennai-based firm that offers financial planning and wealth management advice.... more
Asked by Anonymous - May 04, 2024Hindi
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Hi, I am a 35 Year old Single Male with a net monthly salary of 1.75 lakhs per month. My accommodation is provided by the company. So my expenses are not much. I invest 90k per month in MFs. I also have additional investments of 1.5 Lakh in PPF, 50k in NPS, 1.5 Lakh in SGB. My goal is to have a Corpus of 25 Crore and retire at 50. Can you suggest anything else that I should do or am I doing alright? MY MFs are a mix of Small cap, Mid Cap and Large Cap with about 50% weight in Small Caps.

Ans: It sounds like you're on a solid financial path with your current investments and savings habits. Here are a few additional suggestions to consider as you work towards your goal of retiring with a corpus of 25 crores:

Review and Adjust Asset Allocation: Given your goal of retiring at 50, ensure your asset allocation aligns with your risk tolerance and time horizon. Consider rebalancing your portfolio periodically to maintain the desired mix of small, mid, and large-cap funds.
Emergency Fund: While your expenses are low, it's still essential to have an emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses or job loss. Aim for 6-12 months' worth of living expenses in a liquid savings account.
Explore Tax-Efficient Investments: Since you're already investing in tax-saving instruments like PPF and NPS, consider exploring other tax-efficient investment options such as ELSS (Equity Linked Savings Scheme) mutual funds or tax-free bonds to optimize your tax savings.
Regular Financial Check-ups: Schedule regular financial check-ups with a Certified Financial Planner to review your progress towards your retirement goal, adjust your investment strategy as needed, and ensure you're on track to meet your objectives.
Consider Real Estate: Real estate can be a valuable addition to your investment portfolio, providing both rental income and potential capital appreciation. However, carefully evaluate the property market and ensure it aligns with your overall investment strategy and risk tolerance.
Overall, continue with your disciplined savings and investment approach, and regularly reassess your financial plan to ensure it remains aligned with your goals and aspirations. With careful planning and prudent decision-making, you're well-positioned to achieve financial independence and retire comfortably at 50.
DISCLAIMER: The content of this post by the expert is the personal view of the rediffGURU. Users are advised to pursue the information provided by the rediffGURU only as a source of information to be as a point of reference and to rely on their own judgement when making a decision.
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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8365 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Apr 11, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Apr 11, 2024Hindi
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I am 40 years old and having 2 daughters aged 8 and 4 yrs. I invest approx 50k through SIP in MF ( ICICI prudential retirement direct growth - 8k from 2 year, Axis small cap fund direct growth -10 K from 2 year , white oak capital pharma direct growth - 5K from 2 months and Tata ethical fund - 25 K from 2 years) plus have exposure to stocks with approx value of 15 L I want a corpus of 3 Cr by the time I am 55. What should I do to achieve it? What else should I do for post retirement expenses of around 2 lakh per month based on inflation costs?
Ans: To achieve your goal of a 3 Cr corpus by age 55, consider these steps:

Increase SIP contributions: Gradually increase your SIP amounts annually to capitalize on the power of compounding. Aim to maximize contributions while maintaining a diversified portfolio.

Review asset allocation: Regularly assess your asset allocation to ensure it aligns with your risk tolerance and financial goals. Consider shifting towards a more conservative allocation as you approach retirement age.

Explore additional investment avenues: Look beyond mutual funds and stocks to diversify your portfolio. Consider options like PPF, NPS, real estate, and fixed-income instruments to spread risk and enhance returns.

Monitor and adjust: Keep a close eye on your investments and make adjustments as needed based on market conditions, life changes, and financial goals.

For post-retirement expenses:

Estimate retirement expenses: Calculate your estimated monthly expenses in retirement, factoring in inflation and potential healthcare costs.

Create a retirement plan: Develop a comprehensive retirement plan that includes your desired lifestyle, retirement age, expected expenses, and income sources like pensions, annuities, and investments.

Build a retirement portfolio: Allocate your investments to generate regular income in retirement while preserving capital. Consider options like dividend-paying stocks, bonds, annuities, and rental income from real estate.

Seek professional advice: Consult a financial advisor to create a personalized retirement plan tailored to your needs and risk profile. They can help optimize your portfolio, minimize taxes, and ensure a comfortable retirement.

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8365 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 07, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - May 07, 2024Hindi
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Hi, I am a 35y old single Male. My target is to retire at 50 with a corpus of 25 Crores. Currently, the worth of my portfolio is 1.25 Crore with 75 lakhs in MFs, 25 lakhs in NPS, 10 lakh in PPF, 10 lakh in SGB and about 5 lakhs in Cash and Stocks. My monthly investment is 90k in MFs and annual investment in PPF and SGB is 1.5 lakhs each. I have a 2Bhk house in Pune and my after-tax salary is 2 lakhs/month. My company takes care of my accommodation and my regular monthly expenses are about 50k/month. Do you want to suggest any other plans or am I doing alright keeping my goal in mind? Currently, the MFs are weighted about 50% Small cap, 25% Mid and flexi cap and 25% Large cap.
Ans: Your dedication to financial planning is commendable, especially with a clear retirement goal in mind. Let's delve into your current situation and discuss potential adjustments:

Your current portfolio allocation seems well-diversified, with a significant portion invested in mutual funds, NPS, PPF, SGB, and some cash and stocks. This mix offers a balance of growth and stability.

Your monthly investments and annual contributions to PPF and SGB reflect a disciplined savings approach. It's crucial to maintain this consistency to achieve your retirement target.

Your 2BHK house in Pune is an asset that adds to your net worth and provides security. It's great that your company covers your accommodation expenses, easing your financial burden.

With your after-tax salary and monthly expenses, you have a surplus for investments, which is a positive sign. It's essential to ensure that this surplus is utilized efficiently towards your retirement goal.

Considering your goal of accumulating a corpus of 25 Crores by the age of 50, it might be beneficial to reassess your asset allocation strategy. While your current allocation is diversified, you may want to tilt it slightly towards more conservative options as you approach retirement age.

Given your aggressive investment approach, you might consider gradually shifting towards a more balanced portfolio with a higher allocation to large-cap and balanced funds, which are comparatively less volatile.

Additionally, exploring other investment avenues such as direct equity, debt funds, or alternative investments could further diversify your portfolio and potentially enhance returns.

Regularly reviewing your portfolio's performance and rebalancing it as needed is crucial to stay on track towards your retirement goal.

Overall, you're on the right track with your financial planning efforts. Continue with your disciplined approach, stay informed about market trends, and seek professional advice if needed to optimize your portfolio further.

Keep up the excellent work, and with persistence and smart decision-making, you're well-positioned to achieve your retirement target!

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8365 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jan 10, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jan 09, 2025Hindi
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I am 39 and My in-hand salary is 90K and additional rental income of 15k from my house (loan free), which will start from next month. My current monthly expenses are around 50K. I have PPF balance of 14 lakhs and a PF (including VPF) balance of 10 Lakhs, contributing 1.5 Lakhs to PPF annually and 2.3K to PF and 10.2K mothly to VPF respectively. Also have an FD of 1.5 Lakhs. I am new to MF and have started investing since last April. My MF balance is 1.23 lakhs, details of which are as ICICI Prudential Nifty 50 index fund - 5000 p.m. Parag Parikh Flexi cap fund - 2000 p.m. Quant Small cap fund - 2000 p.m. UTI Nifty 500 value 50 index fund - 2000 p.m. ICICI Prudential Bharat 22 FOF scheme - 1500 p.m. ICICI Prudential Retirement Fund - Hybrid aggressive - 3000 p.m. Looking for advise for two questions : 1. what will be the decent retirement corpus. my investment horizon is long term, around 22 years. looking to accumulate around 6-7 crores. is it possible.? 2. My MFs are underperforming, do I need to change any allocation. ?
Ans: With a long-term investment horizon of 22 years, accumulating Rs 6–7 crores is achievable. It requires disciplined savings and strategic asset allocation.

Assessing Current Investments
You contribute regularly to PPF, VPF, and MFs, which is commendable.
Your existing corpus of Rs 25.23 lakhs (PPF, PF, FD, and MF) gives a strong start.
Rental income adds flexibility for investment, as it is a steady source.
Required Corpus and Growth
A corpus of Rs 6–7 crores in 22 years is realistic with consistent investing.
Equity investments can provide high growth for your long-term goals.
Fixed-income instruments (PPF, PF, FD) ensure stability but may need rebalancing.
Suggested Allocation for Corpus Growth
Allocate higher portions to equity for compounding and inflation-beating growth.
Continue PPF and VPF contributions for stability and tax benefits.
Increase equity MF investments gradually to balance the portfolio.
Improving Your Mutual Fund Portfolio
Your MF portfolio needs evaluation to align with your goals and risk tolerance.

Issues with Current Portfolio
Two index funds and a Bharat 22 FOF reduce your growth potential.
Index funds offer average returns, which underperform actively managed funds.
Actively managed funds can provide better returns with professional management.
Recommendations for Portfolio Adjustment
Exit index funds and Bharat 22 FOF. Redirect these amounts to high-performing equity funds.
Keep Parag Parikh Flexi Cap for its strong track record and diversification.
Retain Quant Small Cap for long-term growth potential, but monitor volatility.
ICICI Prudential Retirement Fund is acceptable, but evaluate its performance periodically.
Benefits of Actively Managed Funds
Active funds are managed by experienced professionals who aim to outperform benchmarks.
These funds adapt to market conditions and maximise growth opportunities.
A Certified Financial Planner can help select funds aligned with your goals.
Disadvantages of Index Funds
Index funds simply mirror the market and lack flexibility in stock selection.
They underperform in volatile markets as they cannot avoid poor-performing stocks.
Actively managed funds are better suited for long-term goals like retirement.
Taxation and Investment Planning
Review taxation rules to minimise tax liabilities on your returns.
Equity MF LTCG above Rs 1.25 lakh is taxed at 12.5%; STCG is taxed at 20%.
Debt funds are taxed as per your income slab, reducing post-tax returns.
Steps to Achieve Rs 6–7 Crore Corpus
Invest an additional Rs 15,000–20,000 monthly from your rental income in equity MFs.
Increase your SIPs annually by 10–15% to match income growth.
Maintain diversification across large-cap, flexi-cap, and small-cap funds.
Avoid over-allocation to low-growth instruments like FD and Bharat 22 FOF.
Monitoring and Reviewing Portfolio
Review your portfolio with a Certified Financial Planner every year.
Rebalance allocations based on performance and market conditions.
Exit underperforming funds and shift to better options when necessary.
Final Insights
Your goal of Rs 6–7 crores is attainable with disciplined investing and portfolio adjustments. Increase focus on equity funds for long-term growth while retaining stable instruments like PPF and VPF. Monitor your portfolio and seek professional guidance for optimal results.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in
https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment

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Hi,my son has got 96% in his icse class 10 exams this year.he is not inclined towards a career in sciences (b.tech/med).he has thus opted for commerce and maths.with an initial inclination towards finance and mathematics we have shortlisted ipm and law and enrolled him for a coaching for ipm.would he be able to prepare for clat as well along with ipm.and with 96 % how are his chances to clear both ?
Ans: Yes, your son can prepare for both CLAT and IPM exams simultaneously, especially given his ICSE score. With a 96% score, he has a strong chance of success in both exams. CLAT and IPM share some common ground, which could make preparation more manageable.
Preparation for both CLAT and IPM:
CLAT:
CLAT requires a strong foundation in English comprehension, logical reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and legal reasoning. IPM exams also test similar skills.
IPM:
IPM exams focus on quantitative ability, analytical reasoning, and verbal reasoning. CLAT also assesses these skills.
Overlap:
The core skills tested in both exams, such as quantitative reasoning, verbal reasoning, and logical reasoning, provide common ground for preparation. Your son's coaching for IPM can help him develop a solid foundation in these areas.
Legal Reasoning:
CLAT specifically requires legal reasoning, which is not part of IPM. Your son can focus on preparing for this section separately.
Scheduling:
Balancing preparation for both exams requires careful planning. He can allocate specific time slots for each exam's preparation.
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IPM:
With a 96% ICSE score, your son has a strong chance of clearing IPM exams. His high marks indicate a strong aptitude for quantitative reasoning and problem-solving.
CLAT:
CLAT is a highly competitive exam, but with his current scores, your son has a very good chance of clearing CLAT.
Factors affecting success:
Preparation efforts, effective time management, and consistency in studying will play a crucial role in determining success in both exams.
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Structured Approach:
A structured study plan that includes regular practice, mock tests, and detailed analysis of mistakes will be beneficial.
Mock Tests:
Regular mock tests for both CLAT and IPM will help him assess his progress and identify areas for improvement.
Time Management:
Developing effective time management skills is crucial for balancing preparation for both exams.
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He should solve a variety of questions and practice problems to build confidence and improve his speed and accuracy.
Best of luck. Professor

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Prof Suvasish Mukhopadhyay  |648 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on May 15, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - May 14, 2025
Career
Hello sir, I'm a DASA student applying to IIITH for the 2025-26 batch. My current curriculum is the NSW HSC from Australia, which includes Mathematics and Physics but not Chemistry. IIITH requires Maths, Physics, and Chemistry for DASA eligibility, and I need to figure out how to add Chemistry.I've been looking into taking Chemistry through NIOS (National Institute of Open Schooling), AP or IB board but I'm concerned because IIITH's brochure specifies that the subjects must be completed "outside India". I've emailed IIITH for clarification, but I'm still waiting for a response. Is this acceptable for DASA?
Ans: It is unlikely that IIIT Hyderabad would accept NIOS Chemistry for DASA eligibility because the DASA brochure states that the subjects must be completed outside India. Since NIOS is an Indian board, it does not meet this requirement. However, you could consider taking AP or IB Chemistry to meet the requirements, as these are often recognized as international qualifications. It's best to wait for IIITH's response to your email for official clarification.
Elaboration:
DASA Requirements:
DASA (Direct Admissions for Students Abroad) at IIIT Hyderabad requires applicants to have completed 11th and 12th grades or equivalent outside India, with a minimum of 60% marks in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.
NIOS and IIITH:
While NIOS is a recognized board in India, it's unlikely to be accepted for DASA at IIITH because the DASA brochure specifies that the subjects must be completed outside India.
AP or IB Chemistry:
You could consider taking AP or IB Chemistry through a foreign board to fulfill the requirement for Chemistry. These are often recognized as international qualifications.
Waiting for IIITH's Response:
Since you've already emailed IIITH, it's advisable to wait for their response to your query for official clarification on whether NIOS Chemistry would be accepted.

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Prof Suvasish

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Career Counsellor - Answered on May 15, 2025

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Dear Sir, My age is 33 year now. I was working in financial sector for 5year as a recovery agent. I have done intermediate in Arts and Diploma in mechanical engineering. Passed out in 2012. Now i want to change my job sector to technical line. I have no experience before in technical line. Please guide me which technical job will be best suitable for me And What Salary Range Should i expect?.
Ans: For you AMIE ( Mechanical) will be the best option. You will be equivalent to B.E./B.Tech Mechanical. The details are given below.
The AMIE (Associate Member of the Institution of Engineers) exam is a professional qualification in engineering, equivalent to a B.E./B.Tech. degree. It's conducted by the Institution of Engineers (India) (IEI) and is offered as a distance learning program. The exam is held twice a year, in June and December.
Exam Structure:
Stage I (Section A): Focuses on fundamental engineering subjects.
Stage II (Section B): Covers a specific branch of engineering like Civil, Electrical, or Mechanical.
Eligibility:
Educational Qualification:
Candidates must have completed a recognized course of study in engineering or technology.
Age:
No upper age limit, but candidates must be at least 18 years old on the first day of the examination.
Other:
Indian citizens or foreign nationals with at least two years of residence in India.
Exam Pattern:
The exam is based on multiple-choice questions (MCQs).
It can be taken online (CBT) or offline (PBT).
Benefits:
Becoming a graduate engineer with the same qualification as a B.E./B.Tech. degree.
Recognized by government and private sectors.
Least expensive compared to traditional degree programs.
Application Process:
Download the application form from the IEI website.
Fill out the form and attach the required documents.
Pay the application fee.
Submit the application form along with the fee.

But since you did the recovery work in Finance sector you are totally detached from Mechanical Engineering. So it is not possible to say what kind of job you will get and what will be your salary.

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Dr Nagarajan J S K

Dr Nagarajan J S K   |393 Answers  |Ask -

NEET, Medical, Pharmacy Careers - Answered on May 14, 2025

Career
I'm preparing for Neet and wanted to take a drop but my parents wanted me to do something with it like a partial Drop......And right now I'm totally confused what to do and what not.........i think I should take BSC zoology in private colleges , can anyone suggest me something..........
Ans: Hi Prirhvi,

Based on your query, there are two main issues to consider:

1. You want to take a break (which may be partial or full).
2. You want to pursue a BSc in Zoology.

Before making any decisions, take some time to think and analyze your situation.

Firstly, evaluate your marks in the HSC and your recent NEET exam scores (if you have appeared for NEET 2025). If you have completed both exams, focus on turning your weaker subjects into strengths. Be prepared to answer any questions someone may pose. Without this preparation, taking a break may not be effective.

Secondly, if you decide to take a gap year, you should not also consider studying another course concurrently, as this could divert your attention and hinder your main goal. Remember, undergraduate courses are semester-based, meaning you will need to manage both NEET preparation and your regular UG courses (including internal exams, semester exams, etc.). Juggling both can be quite challenging.

If you believe it is possible to manage both, I suggest that instead of choosing Zoology for your UG, you consider subjects like Chemistry or Physics. These subjects are foundational and can be better understood through regular UG coursework. Therefore, you should not worry too much about that particular subject. However, it’s not advisable to select Zoology and take a break for NEET preparation at the same time. If you have doubts in Physics or Chemistry, you can seek clarification from your lecturers.

In summary, my suggestion is to concentrate on one goal and work towards achieving it.

BEST WISHES.
POOCHO. LIFE CHANGE KARO.

...Read more

DISCLAIMER: The content of this post by the expert is the personal view of the rediffGURU. Investment in securities market are subject to market risks. Read all the related document carefully before investing. The securities quoted are for illustration only and are not recommendatory. Users are advised to pursue the information provided by the rediffGURU only as a source of information and as a point of reference and to rely on their own judgement when making a decision. RediffGURUS is an intermediary as per India's Information Technology Act.

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